Frugalista: 3 Ways To Go From Fashionista to Frugalista

With New York Fashion Week coming to a close, it may have left some of you with major FOMO because, like me, you could never possibly afford anything coming down that catwalk. No, not even the belt. So, you finally come to terms with the fact that you’ll never become a fashionista with just $100 in your bank account. So instead, you settle for window shopping at Neiman Marcus, dreaming up different ways you could wear that Herve Ledger dress.

Well ladies welcome to your new best friend, a weekly series all about shopping on a budget! I’m Christy, otherwise known as, The Frugalista. Since I was a little girl, I could spot a good deal when I saw one. I said the word sale before I could say the word mom; and speaking of my mom, she is the mother of all Frugalistas. This lady taught me everything I know, from how to spot a good deal to where to find them. So, thanks mom!

It always brings me joy to know that I was able to snag a designer handbag for half the price or that I was able to recreate a celebrity look using items I found at Forever 21. How about that feeling of pure bliss when someone compliments your $20 shoes. When stressed, some people may go for a jog or drink a glass of wine, but I choose to hit up my local Nordstrom Rack. You can call it a frugalista thing!

Now it’s my turn to educate all of you on how to become a frugalista. Just because you’re a college student, in grad school, or just haven’t become the next Carrie Bradshaw (yet!) and aren’t able to splurge on those Manolo Blahniks doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable. You can have champagne taste without breaking the piggy bank and below you’ll find my three start up tips to get you on your way to frugalista town.

1. Thrifting is Nifty

Some of my greatest finds have been at a thrift store. Vintage Liz Claiborne handbags to J Crew tops have all been found on my thrifting adventures. So, hit up your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.

2. Sale Racks on Racks on Racks

The first thing I do when walking into Nordstrom is to head straight towards the sale rack. Don’t be afraid to search through what seems like endless amounts of trash because you just might find a gem. Don’t lose hope; you win some, you lose some. And when you win, what a great feeling that is!

3. Snip Snip Snip

Couponing is a great way to get a discount at some of your favorite stores. For example, Target has daily deals that are sent straight to your inbox. Also, their Cartwheel app is great too. This app allows you to choose coupons specifically for the items you want. I recently bought booties and got 20% off using this app. The best part is that it’s all digital. The cashier will scan the barcode straight from your phone. How awesome is that!

Well there you have it, three simple ways you can become a frugalista. Until next time!